Cael Lundin Talks Tea Area, Attack Basketball, and Recruiting
PHD caught up with Tea Area guard standout Cael Lundin Cael Lundin 6'3" | SG Tea Area | 2022 State SD to talk about the winter season he just had, the spring season that’s in progress, and his future in…
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Continue ReadingPHD caught up with Tea Area guard standout Cael Lundin Cael Lundin 6'3" | SG Tea Area | 2022 State SD to talk about the winter season he just had, the spring season that’s in progress, and his future in terms of recruiting.
The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for Tea Area who went 14-8 this year finishing as the 9th ranked team in the state. Lundin earned the honors of First Team Junior All State, Second team Class A All State, and 4th Team South Dakota All State overall.
“Our high school season was a very good season,” Lundin said. “We had some younger guys really step up and help our team succeed. We had a tough schedule but I loved it, it gave us chances to prove just how tough we were as a team throughout the year.
“We lost to Dakota Valley in the playoffs but that’s a game that everyone wanted, we wanted to play them. It didn’t end the way we wanted to but it was a great year and we are very prepared for next season.
“As far as me as a player, I feel like I really excelled at creating my own shot, and my ability to get to the rim. I became much quicker and was able to have a very fast first step. I was also a great leader always trying to push our team to compete with the tougher teams. That was very important in helping our younger guys gain confidence in the tougher games.”
Cael is currently playing with the South Dakota Attack and so far the team is 8-5 on the year. The Attack has played a tough schedule so far including two events in Kansas City against some of the top talent in the Midwest.
We asked Lundin what the difference is between playing at the AAU level versus the high school level.
“The difference in AAU is the pace, everything is faster and there are less plays, which mean individual ability is very important,” Cael said. “You have to be able to defend 1 on 1 a lot more often and against better talent. The game is so much faster and you cannot make as many mistakes because the players you play against our good enough to capitalize off of your mistakes.
“The biggest value for me during AAU is growing and working on parts of my game I’m not used to. This summer is the first time I have played point guard and had to handle the ball against good defenders. That’s where I’m improving the most and I have really became a better and more controlled ball handler that way.
“I really value how I can be challenged playing against some of the very good teams we play against, it challenges your ability as a player and brings out the best in yourself. It gives you a chance to prove that you can score on kids from South Dakota.. as well as kids from all around, and that you are no joke. I love being able to prove myself and improve throughout the summer.”
As far as the Attack goes…
“Our team is looking pretty good,” Cael said. “One of the best parts about our team is that we play as a group and everyone enjoys playing with one another. We have some guys who can make plays at any time, as well players who play hard and will do whatever it takes to help the team win. We just need to be better at finishing games when they are close. It will also be better once Lucas (Lorenzen) is back.”
A big part of AAU basketball is playing in front of college coaches. When the Attack was in Kansas City for the Prep Hoops Live event the stands were full of D2, D3, NAIA, and junior college coaches watching potential prospects. A number of those schools are in contact with Lundin.
“I have only visited Briar Cliff, but there are quite a few schools that have shown interest,” Lundin said. “Buena Vista offered me as much as much as they can Sunday, considering they are DIII they can’t offer a basketball scholarship. But I have received a lot of interest from Mount Marty, Dakota Weslyan, Morningside, and Minnesota Duluth.
“I have also been talking to the assistant coaches from Northern State, USF, South Dakota, and North Dakota State, and some other schools as well. I am going on a visit to Northern State this spring/summer as well as Buena Vista too for sure, and probably more.”